Sciatica

Sciatica is something we hear a lot from clients when they are coming to see us. But what exactly is it?

It really is just an umbrella term commonly used to describe “pain down the leg”, but it really doesn't tell us what's causing it and whats causing it, really determines what treatment we might give, including exercises, which will be different for different causes

The pain from sciatica can be from your lower back down to your feet. It is a condition where the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, causing pain, numbness, and/or tingling in the lower extremities. These symptoms are experienced when there is pressure on the sciatic nerve which can be as a result of a herniated or prolapsed disc in the lumbar spine, or even from degeneration in the spine which can cause narrowing of the gaps where the nerves exit the spine. 

What is sciatica?

It is a common condition that affects a large number of people. There are a number of causes of sciatica, including injury, age-related changes, infection, and poor posture.

Sciatica is often caused by compression of the sciatic nerve. It is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower leg and foot. It can be caused by a herniated or prolapsed disc in the lumbar or sacral spine. It can also be caused by degeneration of the spine which can cause narrowing of the gaps where the nerves exit the spine. 

What is the treatment for sciatica?

 

The first step to treating sciatica is to determine the cause. This will help you to determine what type of treatment, if any, is needed. If the cause is something that can be fixed, such as an injury or infection, you can work on the cause. If the cause is something that cannot be fixed, such as poor posture, you can work on the symptom.

In some cases, we try to avoid long periods of standing and give bending exercises and in other cases, we avoid long periods of sitting and give extending exercises, so you can see the advice, treatment and exercises can vary widely. If you have sciatica and you have not been diagnosed with a condition causing the symptoms, you should see a physiotherapist or doctor.